Senior Project Managers independently manage projects of significant complexity and risk while adhering to established project management methodologies and frameworks. More specifically, they prepare and facilitate project documentation, assist in developing project management plans, and manage project activities from beginning to end.

Managers provide leadership in the development and implementation of methodologies, processes, and policies for the Project Management Team within the Portfolio Management Office (PMO) and the larger Division of Information Technology (IT).

A bachelor’s degree and at least 7+ years of progressive experience in project planning and execution, resource coordination, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and effective communication. Relevant experience may be substituted for the Bachelor’s degree on a year-for-year basis.

A master’s degree in project management or other applicable discipline is preferred.

Experience in higher education is preferred.

Significant leadership experience.

Candidates with an equivalent combination of experience and/or education are encouraged to apply.

Complex ability to conceptualize necessary change and initiate appropriate activities to transition from ideation to implementation.

Ability to lead the planning, organization, and coordination of multiple complex projects simultaneously. Demonstrated expertise in developing structured work plans, defining priorities, allocating resources, and ensuring accountability across teams. Skilled in balancing competing demands, managing dependencies, and driving projects to successful completion within scope, schedule, and budget. Proven ability to set clear priorities, establish realistic timelines, and adapt plans in response to shifting requirements or organizational priorities.

Superior oral and written communication skills as demonstrated by the ability to provide status reports in a clear and concise manner, and to present on findings internally within Information Technology (IT) as well as across the broader community to our business stakeholders.

Passionate, creative, and dynamic leader with the energy and ability to establish effective working relationships across the organization. Ability to manage work, delegate, and provide guidance to employees.

Extensive working knowledge of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) principles.

Preference will be given to candidates who:

Please complete the application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

*Salary is commensurate with education/experience which exceeds the minimum requirements.

Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful background check.

All applications must be submitted online https://jobs.cofc.edu.

The College of Charleston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of sex, gender (including gender identity and/or expression), pregnancy, race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, and other classifications protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information, please visit eop.cofc.edu.

ADMINISTRATION:

Independently prepares necessary documentation (i.e., charter, schedules, status report, risk registrar, stakeholder registrar, etc.) to support complex project initiatives; develops and maintains documentation throughout the entire project lifecycle and supports all other project deliverables.

Assists in the needs analysis, preparation of business case, or other required documentation during pre-planning stage.

Manages the procurement process required by the project and participates in contract negotiations resulting from Request for Proposal selection.

COMMUNICATIONS/STATUS REPORTING:

Responsible for the development and execution of the communication plan: which will include expectations surrounding the necessary communications to the project team and stakeholders (to include project sponsors and the Portfolio Management Office (PMO) Director) regarding (1) information and changes to scope or schedules; (2) identification of and updates regarding project risks and issues (especially when there is an impact to a project’s go-live date); and (3) general updates on project progress.

Facilitates meetings and is responsible for meeting logistics (e.g., coordinating meeting attendee availability and reserving appropriate meeting spaces) and administration (e.g., development and timely dissemination of meeting agenda and minutes).

Prepares and delivers presentations and status reports to business stakeholders, project sponsors/champions, and Information Technology (IT) staff.

All communications the project manager is responsible for should be executed proactively and in a timely manner to allow appropriate time to take action to mitigate any issues and minimize the impact to the project.

INTERNAL:

Other duties as assigned. This may include special project assignments within the Portfolio Management Office or IT department, task force participation, or other activities as assigned.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

GENERAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT:

Responsible for independently managing the initiation, planning, execution, control, and closeout phases of the project lifecycle for complex projects/programs using project management methodologies while adhering to project timelines, scope, and budget.

Able to define project objectives and scope by reviewing project proposals to determine the time frame, available funding, procedures, and various phases of project life cycle for complex or enterprise projects/programs

Able to independently create a Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) from the defined project scope in order to produce milestones and necessary activities to use in the creation of a project schedule. Manages and coordinates all project activities (i.e., tasks) through the development of work plan(s); controls budget, scope and schedule to ensure project deliverables, milestones and required tasks completed as planned.

Reviews and coordinates requests and recommends changes from original specifications with project sponsor, project team, or stakeholders. Able to conceptualize necessary change and to initiate appropriate activities to move from ideation to implementation.

Ensures all documentation, data, and workflows are followed and accurately reported through the project management reporting tool.

SUPERVISORY:

Provide leadership in the development and implementation of methodologies, processes and policies for the Project Management Team within the Portfolio Management Office (PMO) and the larger Division of Information Technology (IT).

Directs and oversees the work and performance of the Project Management team to ensure expectations are met and goals are aligned with the strategic goals of the larger department and institution. Takes the time to effectively plan and evaluate employee performance. Provides candid, respectful, and constructive feedback and coaching. Completes evaluations in a timely manner and, with their employees, establishes thoughtful, relevant goals. Follows up on performance and goals.

Plans strategically and builds employees‘ skills and capabilities to support department/division/institution goals. Seeks to recruit and engage a diverse group and strives to support equal opportunity goals. Builds employee skills and delegates appropriately. Encourages and supports the professional development of direct reports. Seeks input and ideas from their employees and colleagues.

Supports Portfolio Management Office (PMO) Director and performs management duties when Portfolio Management Office (PMO) Director is absent or out of office.

RISK/ISSUE MANAGEMENT:

Proactively identifies risks and facilitates discussions to evaluate the risk in order to recommend an appropriate risk mitigation strategy. Document the risk, impact analysis, and mitigation strategy in the risk registrar to monitor and report out on throughout the project life cycle.

Identify when a risk has transitioned into an active issue for the project and follow appropriate communication escalation protocols.